Global Career Development Facilitator

The Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF) certification is an evolution of the Career Development Facilitator (CDF) certification developed in response to a RFP from the National Occupational Information Coordinating Committee (NOICC). The winning proposal went to Oakland University in Michigan where the initial development began under the leadership of Howard Splete. In 2000, when NOICC was applied to the USDOL, the curriculum was awarded to the National Career Development Association (NCDA) to promote and train practitioners. [1]The Working Ahead Curriculum was the second program, developed at the Heldrich Center for Workforce Development, with a linkage to the USDOL resources-different from the first program with greater emphasis towards USDOE resources. Since then, many programs have been developed. The National Employment Counseling Association [2] in partnership with Life Strategies, following the Heldrich Center model, developed with full instructor support. [3] Graduates from approved programs for GCDF certification from the Center for Credentialing in Education (CCE), an affiliate of the National Board for Certified Counselors(Center for Credentialing in Education, 1997). The credential Recognizes the education and experience Of Those working in occupations like CDF careers advisory services and employment services. GCDF have successfully completed an approved CDF training program and have met and verified specific educational and experience requirements. [4]

Outline

GCDF training is built around 12 core competencies identified by career counseling experts. A period of supervised career facilitation is also required prior to certification. GCDF Training, Assessment , Diverse Populations , Ethical and Legal Issues, Career Development Models, Employability Skills , Labor Market Information and Resources, Training Clients and Peers, Program Management and Implementation, Promotion and Public Relations, Technology and Supervision (Brawley, 2002, National Career Development Association, 2007, and Splete & Hoppin, 2000). In light of cultural concerns with the development of the GCDF outside the United States, the tasks within each country are adapted to meet the needs of a country.

In the United States, GCDFs are sometimes still recognized as CDFs and work in government agencies and employment offices, in private practice as “coaches,” and in colleges and universities (Splete & Hoppin, 2000). One of the more auspicious GCDFs places are found in the United States is Career One Stop Centers, which are sponsored by the US Department of Labor . The GCDFs at centers like these work with people who are making career transitions. Also, in 2006, the state of South Carolina passed legislation requiring all students to have a career.

The GCDF certification program has been implemented in Bulgaria, Canada, China, Cyprus, Egypt, Germany, Greece, Japan, Macedonia, New Zealand, Portugal, Romania, South Korea, Taiwan, and Turkey. In 2011, training programs were started in El Salvador. Worldwide, about 17,600 GCDF have been certified until 2011. [4]